The Belong To Primary survey asked staff employed in primary schools across Ireland about their experience, attitudes, knowledge levels, practices and professional needs regarding LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and was conducted online from March to May 2023. To obtain a representative sample of primary school staff nationally, the survey was distributed via the Department of Education database of contact point email addresses to all 3,231 primary schools in Ireland, to major school management bodies and advertised via the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO).
The survey findings show an overwhelming willingness among primary staff to be LGBTQ+ inclusive, but reveal a lack of knowledge, skills and confidence needed to deliver fully inclusive practice for their pupils.
In total, 1,031 primary school staff across Ireland were surveyed including principals, deputy principals, class teachers, special needs assistants and support staff. Almost a quarter of respondents were principals or deputy principals.
This research is funded by an Irish Research Council ‘New Foundations: Engaging Civil Society’ grant, enabling a research partnership between the School of Education, University of Limerick and Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland.